Behind the Title: MTI colorist Steve Porter

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY?
We are a Hollywood-based post facility that specializes in TV finishing, film restoration and software development.

AS A COLORIST, WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT FALLS UNDER THAT TITLE?
That I am also a skin care specialist, VFX artist and therapist.

WHAT SYSTEM DO YOU WORK ON?
Digital Vision Nucoda.

Bates Motel

ARE YOU ASKED TO DO MORE THAN JUST COLOR ON PROJECTS?
This career has proven to be as much about color as it is about understanding cameras and technical workflows.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
Being able to put my stamp as an artist on a project and working with great DPs and clients that like collaboration.

WHAT’S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Working with someone that doesn’t respect the art of it.

IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE THIS JOB, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING INSTEAD?
Trying to make the professional golf tour.

HOW EARLY ON DID YOU KNOW THIS WOULD BE YOUR PATH?
I’ve always loved photography and movies… it was a path that I never even knew existed when I was younger. It was something that bridged those two worlds, and I was lucky enough to have a knack for it.

CAN YOU NAME SOME RECENT PROJECTS?Outlander, Outcast, Bates Motel, Good Behavior, The Magicians and Hell on Wheels.

Outlander

WHAT IS THE PROJECT THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
The projects that I just mentioned above… and I love Outlander — the clients and the show, they allow great freedom to create many different worlds. I enjoy that and take great pride in being a part of it.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Watching movies. Getting a wonderfully shot show from a great DP and seeing where something takes me — that’s inspiration.

NAME THREE PIECES OF TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT.
A cell phone, my color corrector and a set of golf clubs.

WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS DO YOU FOLLOW?
I really only check Facebook.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO DE-STRESS FROM IT ALL?
Did I mention I like to golf?